ENGLISH
REFERENCE

a means of sth

fixed phr..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. a way of doing something or a method to reach a goal.

fixed phr.. a method, system, or instrument used to achieve a specific result; 'means' functions as a singular or plural noun in this context.


SIMPLE

The bus is a cheap means of transport.

CONTEXTUAL

For many people, the internet is their primary means of communication with family abroad.

COMPLEX

The diplomat viewed the treaty not as a final solution, but as a means of establishing a lasting dialogue between the two nations.

Usage

usually followed by a noun or a gerund ending in -ing.

Teaching tip

point out that 'means' ends in 's' even when it is singular; 'a means' is correct and does not refer to a plural set of methods.

Pitfall

a mean of transporta means of transportthe word 'means' must always include the 's' when it refers to a method or way of doing something.

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